Basic Universal Spiritual Principles

Basic Universal Spiritual Principles

This is a partial list of universal spiritual principles which have been taught repeatedly by many of the world’s greatest spiritual teachers throughout history including the Buddha, Jesus, Lao-Tsu, etc. One of the most often disputed and challenged beliefs promoted here concerns the great similarity and agreement among the most influential spiritual gurus, teachers, religions, spiritual paths, etc. when their teachings are properly interpreted or understood. I firmly believe that strengthening the bridges that connect various faiths and celebrating the similarities is much more spiritually principled than tearing them down and adopting divisive fundamentalist belief systems in which only one’s own group can ever be right & making everyone else wrong.

(This list of universal spiritual principles is a work in progress; there are currently a few overlapping principles listed here.)

Practicing humility; deflating the ego (ego deflation seems to be a central pillar of any real spiritual practice, although it’s not often called ego deflation per se)

Making peace

Mindfulness of the present moment

Constantly monitoring one’s stream of thoughts to keep them positive and compassionate (closely related to mindfulness of the present moment)

Applying spiritual principles not only to humans but creation in its entirety (nature, creatures, pets, trees, etc.; basically everything)

Hope; maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of despair

Focusing on unity, oneness, and similarities instead of division, separateness, and differences

Tolerance and acceptance; refraining from criticizing, condemning, complaining (classic Dale Carnegie; this is not an easy one for most of us, i.e. me)

Forgiving others when we are wronged

Displaying courage in the face of fear

Following your heart, not worrying about the opinions and beliefs of others; avoiding habitual conformity

Open-mindedness, flexibility, remaining teachable; willingness to learn and to objectively explore and study, rather than blindly accepting whatever you are told you “should” do or “ought” to believe

Bringing truth to error

Displaying faith* in the face of doubt

Showing kindness to neighbors; loving neighbors as ourselves

Living with integrity (being the same person no matter whom you’re with)

Practicing brotherly love

Employing perseverance and discipline in the face of obstacles

Seeking opportunities to improve the world by asking, “How may I serve?”

Practicing daily meditation to increase awareness and mindfulness

Practicing quiet contemplation to develop insight, wisdom

Treating others as we would like to be treated (the golden rule)

Facing hatred with compassion; loving your enemies

Practicing honesty; telling the truth, avoiding lies

Compassion; wanting more for others than you do for yourself

Avoiding fideistic, rigid, fundamentalist worldviews

Appreciation, gratitude

Wonder, fascination (I’m not sure about these yet though I did notice they were included in another, shorter list of universal spiritual principles)

* Faith: the belief that living by these basic, universal, common-sense spiritual principles will lead to a full life overflowing with compassion,
deep friendships, following passions and interests,
and eventually leading to inner peace or even enlightenment
(that amazing “peace that passes all understanding”)